Published Dec 16, 4:14am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 16, 4:14am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 16, 4:14am ET
Interesting action in the battle for European qualification is set for the Premier League on December 20, as Chelsea travel to Newcastle. Find our picks here.
Enzo Maresca was delighted with his side’s performance last Saturday, as Chelsea recorded a much-needed win over Everton. The victory ended a three-game winless run and moved the Blues up to fourth in the standings.
Newcastle endured a weekend to forget last time out, as they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby. The defeat means that the Magpies remain 12th in the current standings.
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|---|---|
| Newcastle | +169 |
| The Draw | +252 |
| Chelsea | +164 |
Last weekend’s loss against Sunderland was a damaging defeat for Newcastle, meaning that they remain in the bottom half of the standings.
On the road, the Magpies have been very poor in 2025-26, winning just one of their eight fixtures. Fortunately, they will be back at St. James’ Park this weekend, where they have won five of their eight matches.
Newcastle have picked up 2.00 points per game in home fixtures this season, and they have scored an average of 1.75 efforts per 90, which is significantly higher than their average of 0.88 in away fixtures.
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Chelsea bounced back to their very best form last weekend, claiming a 2-0 home success against Everton.
Cole Palmer scored on his return to the starting eleven, and having their best player back available could be crucial for the team at this busy stage of the season.
Interestingly, Chelsea have been reliable on the road this season, winning four of their eight matches and picking up an average of 1.75 points per game. They have also netted an average of 1.88 goals per game, which is higher than their average of 1.5 at Stamford Bridge. Maresca’s side have also kept clean sheets in half of their eight EPL away fixtures.
| TOTAL | Newcastle | Chelsea | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 65 | 18 | 34 | 13 |
| Goals | 160 | 62 | 98 |
Having Palmer back is crucial for Chelsea at this stage of the season, and it will give the team an enhanced chance of putting daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in the race for a Champions League spot.
Newcastle’s offensive quality has been lacking in recent weeks, and we could see the Blues claiming a hard-fought win to nil in the North East on Saturday.
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Pick
Chelsea (+164)
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